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I was born in the Netherlands, but after my studies (Civil Engineering and Construction Management) in the Netherlands and the UK I moved to South Africa in 1998 in search of some adventure. By chance I ended up in Botswana a year later, which marked the end of my plans to see the world, but certainly not the end of my adventure. My love for the African bush and for Kate, who is now my wife, were the main drives for making Botswana my new home.
Only since 2005 I have become serious about my photography and realize that southern Africa with its abundant wildlife is a heaven for nature photographers. Although I am probably a wildlife photographer at heart, I am also into landscapes and do macro photography from time to time. My early inspiration came from Richard du Toit, Nigel Dennis and Frans Lanting and of course from… nature itself.
I first joined this fantastic community of photographers in February 2006. When I look back at my photography from that time, I dare conclude that I have progressed a lot. This progress took a lot of dedication, hard work and investment in time and gear. A lot of that time investment went into NPN and I do not regret a single moment of it. I have learned so much by posting my images and receiving constructive criticism, but maybe even more so by looking closely at other people’s work and by commenting on their images. I am proud that I can now contribute to NPN not only as a member, but also as a moderator. In that role I hope to be able to teach others some of the things that I have learned, but I expect to learn just as much from it. And that is exactly what I like so much about photography; you never stop learning as long as you are eager to learn!
I am challenged by the quest for being different and finding new ways of making images that stick out amongst the rest. This is extremely difficult (and by no means do I claim I have been very successful in that respect), but it keeps me focused and motivated. I have always chosen to follow what my heart tells me rather than my brain and now I am doing just that as I am adventuring into making nature photography a full time occupation. My work is currently represented by one of the world’s most renowned agencies for nature photography and its partners. Further I have recently opened a small gallery in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, where I showcase a selection of my work that is for sale as Limited Edition Fine Art photographic prints. So when you are ever in the area, please call in, or alternatively visit my website www.wildscenics.com.